You are here

New Zealand opposition leader in sexism row over baby plans

New Zealand's freshly installed opposition leader Jacinda Ardern was drawn into a sexism row Wednesday after being asked if having a baby would affect her chances of becoming prime minister.

PHOTO: AFP

[WELLINGTON] New Zealand's freshly installed opposition leader Jacinda Ardern was drawn into a sexism row Wednesday after being asked if having a baby would affect her chances of becoming prime minister.

Just one day into her new job with the centre-left Labour Party, the 37-year-old had already been asked twice in two separate interviews about whether she intended to become a parent.

Ms Ardern responded with good grace to the initial line of questioning, giving a non-committal answer saying it was a dilemma lots of career women faced.

"I'm not pre-determining any of that, just like most of the women out here who just make their lives work," she told TV3.